Your guide to finding and caring for an American Wirehair in Des Moines
An American Wirehair fits Des Moines' older housing well, from Beaverdale's brick bungalows to the apartments in Sherman Hill's converted Victorians. It's a mellow, medium-sized cat that's happy with a window perch and a couple of play sessions a day, so square footage matters less than having somewhere to climb. Winters keep cats indoors for months, which suits a Wirehair that's easy to entertain with wand toys. The springy coat needs a gentle comb, not heavy brushing.
Adopt an American Wirehair today
While we don't have enough cats near Des Moines, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
M, 2 y., 173 miles
American Shorthair, American Wirehair
F, 5 y., 338 miles
American Wirehair, Domestic Short Hair
M, 1 y., 379 miles
American Wirehair
M, 3 mo., 379 miles
American Wirehair
M, 0-6 mo., 386 miles
Tabby, American Wirehair
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 655 miles
American Wirehair, American Shorthair
F, 5 mo., 760 miles
American Wirehair
F, 5 mo., 760 miles
American Wirehair
M, 11 y., 879 miles
Domestic Short Hair, American Wirehair
F, 3-7 y., 1200 miles
American Wirehair
The American Wirehair began with a single red-and-white kitten born on a New York farm in 1966. His crimped, springy coat came from a spontaneous genetic mutation, and cats carrying the trait were crossed with American Shorthairs to create the breed. It remains one of the rarest pedigreed cats, so watching the listings on this page and browsing similar breeds is a sensible approach.
Beyond the coat, the Wirehair is built like an American Shorthair: a muscular, medium to large cat, typically 8 to 15 pounds, with a round head and a wide range of colors. Many are easygoing, affectionate and playful without being demanding. The coat feels coarse and resilient, and shedding runs low to moderate. Wirehairs mature slowly, so a young cat may stay playful for years.
Having an American Wirehair in Des Moines
The American Wirehair pairs a crimped, springy coat with a relaxed, sociable nature and generally sturdy health. In Des Moines, the main things to plan around are indoor play through long winters, gentle coat care and a home with plenty of places to climb.
Many Wirehairs are mellow and affectionate, enjoying company without demanding constant attention. They often get along with respectful children and other pets, and they like to sit nearby and watch household activity. That suits a busy Des Moines household, though each cat's personality varies.
Expect moderate energy: short bursts of chasing and pouncing between long naps. Two brief daily play sessions with wand toys, balls or food puzzles help, and climbing furniture keeps a muscular cat from gaining weight. Long Des Moines winters make indoor play the main outlet from December through February.
The breed is generally healthy, but heart disease such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is worth discussing with a veterinarian. The wiry coat can come with oily or sensitive skin, so gentle grooming matters. Dental care and weight control support a long life, and a vet can check the heart and skin at the first visit.
A Wirehair adapts to apartments and houses alike, including Des Moines' older bungalows and converted Victorians, as long as it has scratching posts, perches and hiding spots. Indoor living is safest, and a window perch or catio gives it something to watch without the risks of roaming.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Pet insurance | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Routine vet care | $150 to $350 per year | $150 to $350 |
| Other* | $465 to $1,165 per year | $465 to $1,165 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,215 to $2,715 | |
Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.
* The $15 Des Moines cat license for a spayed or neutered cat, litter, flea prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys, scratchers and other supplies, and occasional gentle home grooming.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below have cats available in and near Des Moines.
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa handles animal services in Des Moines, and the rescues and shelters listed here share cats for adoption. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Des Moines area with cats available for adoption, worth asking whether an American Wirehair is coming in.
Yes, you can. Des Moines' breed-specific rules apply to certain dogs, not cats, so a Wirehair faces no breed restriction. Once the cat is six months old, it needs a city license and a current rabies certificate. Because the breed is rare, watch the listings on this page and browse similar breeds and nearby cities.
No. DART is a bus-only system, and pets other than service animals aren't allowed on its vehicles, with no exception for carriers. If you don't drive, plan to get a Wirehair to the vet and home from adoption by car, whether that's a friend's or a ride you arrange.
Yes, as indoor cats. Winter here brings roughly 45 days a year when the high never gets above freezing, and wind chills can fall far lower, so a Wirehair should never be left outside. Indoors, its dense coat is plenty. Offer warm beds away from drafts, extra play sessions, and a humidifier if skin gets dry.
Yes. Wirehairs are easygoing and moderately active, so an apartment works if it has a tall cat tree, a window perch and a couple of play sessions a day. Older buildings often have large windows that give a cat plenty to watch. Confirm the landlord's pet terms in writing before you sign.
Often, yes. The breed's easygoing, affectionate nature suits apartments and houses, and indoor play carries a Wirehair through the long Iowa winters. It does best with regular company and daily play rather than long stretches of boredom. Cats vary, so each cat's personality matters more than breed.
Lightly. A gentle comb about once a week is usually enough, since heavy brushing can damage the crimped coat. Dry heated air in Des Moines winters can aggravate oily or sensitive skin, so watch for flakiness or greasy fur. Most grooming happens at home, so it adds little to the yearly Other costs.
No, American Wirehair cats are not hypoallergenic. The main cat allergen comes from saliva and skin glands, not hair length or texture, so a wiry coat does not remove it. Their dense, crimped coat may shed a little less than some breeds, but allergic people should spend extended time with a specific cat before adopting and talk to their doctor.
Yes, American Wirehair cats are very rare. The entire breed descends from one kitten born in New York in 1966, and registrations with major cat associations have stayed small for decades. Few are born each year, so it is unusual to find one in a shelter. Breed rescues and saved searches give adopters the best chance of meeting one.
Yes, American Wirehair cats shed, but usually only lightly to moderately. Their dense, crimped coat holds loose hair, with somewhat heavier shedding in spring and fall. Gentle grooming with a soft brush or your hand every week or two is usually enough, because heavy brushing can damage the brittle hairs. Occasional baths help if the skin becomes oily.
Expect roughly $25 to $50 a month for food and $25 to $50 a month for pet insurance. Routine vet care runs $150 to $350 a year, and other yearly costs add $465 to $1,165. Together that's roughly $1,200 to $2,700 a year, before any emergency or illness care.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other cats available for adoption in Des Moines.
